Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is launching an extended programme of international trade development events for 2009.

One of the aims of the programme will be to maximise the benefits to local businesses of the new direct flights between Inverness and Dusseldorf in Germany. The flights, which begin on June 20 2009 operated by Lufthansa, will not only provide an opportunity for tourism businesses to attract new visitors from Europe but also provide advantages for other businesses wishing to make or extend links with European markets.

The workshops begin on January 19 in Skye with 'Doing Business with Germany' and culminate on March 19 with 'Export Procedures and Documentation'. Other events planned include 'Introduction to Exporting', 'Identifying and Evaluating Overseas Markets' and 'Doing Business with North America'. The workshops are being delivered in Inverness, Nairn, Forres, Elgin, Skye, Outer Hebrides, Orkney & Shetland.

Rob Clarke, HIE's head of international development, said: "The current exchange rate is providing a boost to local businesses wishing to export their goods and these workshops are aimed at helping those who either wish to begin exporting or are interested in new markets."

HIE also provides advice to businesses wishing to internationalise through close links with Scottish Development International (SDI), UK Trade and Invest (UKTI) and Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI).

For further information on these free workshops and details on how to book online, please visit http://www.smas.co.uk/export